Thursday, March 5, 2015

How to Experience Barcelona on a Shoestring Budget

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Like most big European cities nowadays, Barcelona is pretty expensive. The hotels can be expensive, the tourist traps can be expensive and even the food can be expensive if you’re new to the city. Barcelona is still a beautiful and diverse city though. You shouldn’t let the prices you see put you off because there’s always a way around them. It’s possible to see Barcelona on a shoestring, I’ve done it! You just have to be smart about it.

Explore the Galleries & Museums

Entry to most European art galleries and museums is free or very cheap. They want people coming through the doors, and most are aided financially by governments. And the best way to find out about a country or a city is to explore its art, culture, and history.

This is truer than anywhere in Barcelona. Barcelona is one of the original birthplaces of modernism. You can see it in the art galleries and the buildings lining its streets. The best galleries in the city include the Picasso Museum Barcelona, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Fundació Antoni Tàpies.

Get Your Location Right

Hotels in Barcelona can be pretty pricey, especially if you’re not shopping around for deals. Use a hotel price comparison site to help you out when you’re choosing where to stay, and think about staying outside the centre of the city. Some of the most beautiful parts of Barcelona can be found on the outskirts, and prices are a lot cheaper there.

Alternatively, you could stay somewhere other than in a hotel. Check this new way of finding accommodation abroad: you can rent a property from someone who isn’t using theirs.

Nature is Free!

People often forget that Barcelona is by the coast! Don’t let all that culture or the busy city fool you. You could spend your time laying on the beach, enjoying the sun and swimming in the sea. Barcelona has some of the most stunning coastlines in Spain. And you can enjoy them free of charge. There’s also Montjuic Mountain; get a cable car to the top and have a look at the incredible views of the city.

Great Food Doesn’t Have to be Expensive Food

Food is a big expense in Barcelona. My number 1 tip for people visiting the city for the first time would be: don’t fall into the tourist traps. There will be endless restaurants on Las Ramblas vying for your attention and your money. Try cheap, independent restaurants like Bar Resolis or the vegetarian restaurant Rasoterra. Just explore the restaurants and the prices carefully before you buy.

Browse the Markets and Streets

Browsing the markets of Barcelona can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be. Boqueria Market is one of the most wonderful in Europe. The market has been there for hundreds of years and sells all kinds of food. And a lot of it is very cheap!

You should also explore the medieval town, the streets are winding, and there’s a surprise around every corner. Remember, exploration is free!

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